Vodka-Rose Punch

Padma Lakshmi says, "When I was a child, the only way I would drink milk—the unhomogenized kind you get in India—was if my granny swirled a couple teaspoons of rose syrup into it. Today, I love the floral accent and the frilly pink tinge it gives mixed drinks."

Put the rose syrup and sugar in a small glass bowl and microwave until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup into a large pitcher. Add the vodka and the torn mint and stir. Stir in the soda and the ice. Strain into tall ice-filled glasses and garnish with whole mint leaves and rose petals.

Notes

Rose syrup can be found in Indian markets and at specialty food stores.